Be grateful

YouNow is created for the everyday individual who seeks to gain a deeper understanding of Self in order to achieve their highest potential, while staying true to their essence. These write-ups are designed to help you become more conscious and deliberate in your interactions and day-to-day living

We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorns have roses. – Alphonse Karr

I must say I’ve had the most rewarding time in the past few weeks!

That time of the year when you take a break from everything and focus on what truly matters.

Family. Friends. Relationships. Self.

Four months to the end of the year and how are you doing?

Many may not have achieved all that they set out to do or be but as the saying goes, there’s always something to be thankful for – if we consider our moments.

We have made a routine of so many things that except we take a step back, it is commonplace to take life for granted.

What is gratitude really about? Is it about saying thank you? Or Is itabout giving gifts to people so they can thank us in return?

Various studies and research have shown that grateful people are more agreeable, more open, and less neurotic (McCullough et al., 2002; McCullough, Tsang, & Emmons, 2004; Wood, Maltby, Gillett, Linley, & Joseph, 2008; Wood, Maltby, Stewart, Linley et al., 2008).

Furthermore, gratitude is related negatively to depression and positively to life satisfaction

Gratitude is also a powerful tool for strengthening interpersonal relationships. People who express their gratitude tend to be more willing to forgive others and less narcissistic (DeShea, 2003; Farwell &Wohlwend-Lloyd, 1998).

Giving thanks to those who have helped you strengthens your relationships and promotes relationship formation and maintenance, as well as relationship connection and satisfaction (Algoe et al., 2008; Algoe, Gable, &Maisel, 2010)

The point is this, our lives are richer when we are thankful.

No matter what we go through.

It’s always not about what we are yet to do, how successful we are compared to others or what we don’t have.

Practicing gratitude can decrease levels of depression and anxiety.Of course, having lower levels of stress, depression, and anxiety may aid in having higher levels of well-being

Without our physical health, we cannot truly experience and enjoy allthat life has to offer.

Turning 40 this month, I chose to spend that time with family, travelling through Europe, seeing the world together, learning about each other and bonding in gratitude.

What a joy it has been! Life truly is beautiful.

Take some time out to take stock of all the things and people you are grateful for and be sure to show your appreciation.

Look on the bright side always.

Be grateful.

Remember Freedom is Peace; Optimism is Nature; Action is always within reach. BE MORE!

If you found this article relatable, let me know what you think in the comments. Do you want to live more intentionally and develop your gifts/talents for maximum impact? Feel free to reach me via email: [email protected]. You can also connect with me via;

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I look forward to hearing from you.